Hi Frank (and Kim),
This all sounds like good news. It was a weird day at work on Friday for sure. Hard to care about SAP or IRIS or all the other things when a colleague (and friend) is facing this. Everything falls back into perspective at times like these; no competition between work woes and health. Thank you (both) for the updates. While you continue to get better, we can start to breathe easier, too. And we'll take care of business until you get back.
Sue McClure

Frank,
On this Sunday morning, give thanks for Kim. She has been through more than you know. She is seeing you through this and that is very special. And now you no longer have a broken heart. YEAH !

God bless, George and Nana

Wow, what wonderful news and great recovery. The quiet private room will help with the sleeping, I'm sure. I am already planning to bring an eye mask and ear plugs. Keep healing.
Fran Zilko

Hi Kim and Frank
Day 3? Good heavens, I predict day three Frank is going to be wanting better meals and is going to want to start climbing the stairs. You wait and see. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Kim and Frank, It is so great to hear that Frank is out of ICU and doing so well already. I predict that 3rd day which is tomorrow, right, is going to do just as you say - go right by with nothing to dread at all for your husband!!
I just read about his story and sorry I didn't see it sooner for the wife support you needed, but I am sure you have had so much support as this heart valve journal is amazing.
Your husband is close to my husband's age and he too had a problem for quite a few years before a decision was made and he too had to make a decision on the mechanical or tissue valve but his doctor made the decision for him based on his line of work and a problem he had with bleeding profusely with bloody noses. He ended up with the tissue valve of a cow, but they are saying it could last longer than usual predictions -who knows.
Take care of yourself Kim - even if you are strong, it is a very stressful and emotional time to go through and it will take time but it sounds like things are going well, and again it is great to hear.
In advance - "Happy Sunday."
Richard's wife, Susan

Hi Kim,
We are so very happy to hear of Frank's good progress, and know that it will continue.
I love it when prayers get answered.
Slow and steady wins the race.

Take care and GOD Bless you all.

Ray and Lisa

Kim,
So glad to hear of Frank's progress. He sounds like he is doing very well Remember everyone's journey on this site is not exactly the same. His third day may not mirror someone else. I felt my journey matched in some ways but was very different in others. So keep that thought and do not get tense thinking about it. Remember,,,any challenges faced by others were overcome and corrected by these wonderful doctors.


Theresa Callanan
Howell NJ

Kim and Frank,

We are thrilled to hear you are doing so good! It sounds like you can be back to work in two weeks instead of two months! We hope to see both of you at dinner on March 24th.

dan

Hi Kim and Frank
Frank must be feeling pretty good if he can think about his favourite game so soon. You have to love that. Has he started eating solids yet? Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Frank and Kim,

Awesome news ! Prayer does work. Keep on pushin'. Eat all your good hospital food.
GO PITT !!
God Bless,
George and Nana

Hi Frank and Kim,
So happy to hear things are going so well. We'd like to stop in for a few minutes on our way home from the airport tomorrow afternoon -about 3:30 or 4. we'll call after we land to see what's what. Take care,Frank-you're a champ!
Mike and Karen

Hey Frank and Kimmy,
Glad to hear that the surgery went well. We have been thinking about you and wondering. Today is the first chance we were able to get on the journal!!! Wishing you a speedy recovery!!! and frank as much as I hate to say it ..... GO PITT!!!
Brian, Jan, and the kids!!

Dear Kim and Frank,

Fantastic news!! Will continue our prayers for speedy recovery and for your whole family. Enjoy the game!

God Bless,
McKissick family

Hi Kim and Frank
I know you are feeling great relief just now as we all do when he hear another friend has just come through the surgery okay. I'm really happy for you both and look forward to reading about Frank's road to full recovery. Prayers to you both. Cheryl, Ontario

Dear Frank and Kim,
We're so happy that the surgery went well. The recovery might be rough, but you know we'll be with you all the way! Praying constantly for things to continue on a tranquil path-
Love,
Karen and Mike

Hi Kim & Frank

I was so happy to hear that all went well. All of the messages that you wrote Kim sure brought back memories of my surgery. I continue to keep you both in my prayers and that your recovery goes well. Take care and I'll be checking back from time to time.

Ben Holsopple

Hi Kim & Frank
Thanks for all the updates when you are concerned. Sounds like he's off to a great start. Wasn't sure what type of valve was chosen before the surgery. Now I know. I've heard there are valves that are relatively quiet. Prayers are answered. Hope you can get a good night's sleep knowing he did so well.
Fran Zilko

Kim and Frank,

So glad to learn that Frank's surgery is now behind you all and that he came through A+. My surgery was 5 weeks ago yesterday, and I am feeling close to normal (whatever that is.) May God give you His peace and healing presence. With prayers.

Duane Hunt, Florida

Kim,

Thanks for the updates. Frank, you and your family are in our prayers! It sound like all went well.

Joe & Carol Ann Coles,
3/5/10

Kim,

Happy to hear the good news. I hope Frank progresses quickly. You now made it through this hard initial period of waiting...now recovery begins.

Theresa Callanan
Howell NJ

Kim,

Glad to hear Frank made it thru the operation with a good review.

Hope you all get a good night's sleep tonight.

Thanks for keeping us posted.

Pat

Wonderful news, Kim ... can't get any better than an A+. Thanks for keeping us all posted.

Always in our prayers,
McKissick family

Hello Kim and Frank,

Ray and I are praying for you and waiting for more updates. If you need anything, we are only 5 minutes from your house.

God Bless and may Frank have a speedy recovery.

Ray and Lisa-Jane McKissick

Hi Frank,
So glad to hear that you are doing well. God does answer prayer. Hope your recovery goes along smoothly. After I talked to your sister, I let everyong know that you are fine. Everyone here is concerned about you. Take care and do what the doctor tells you. I will keep praying for you.

Hi Kim
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you wait for Frank's positive report. I'll be looking forward to your next posting. You hang tight. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Kim & Frank,

Well, the the day has arrived! We've all been following your journal, and now our thoughts and prayers are with Frank during surgery - but also with you Kim - you have the HARD part today! Just know that you've made all the best choices, and now a new chapter of life will begin!

I'm watching for positive reports!

All the best to both of you!

Joel Bryan, Iowa

We will be praying for Frank and a full and speedy recovery. Jane and Red Kondrad

Good Morning, and it will be an even better morning when you get to see Frank after his successful surgery. Glad your children are there with you. Just keep thinking of that father and daughter dance at the wedding!! Prayers to you.
Fran Zilko

Hi Kim,
Well I prayed, but had the wrong day. Hope you felt the prayers anyway. Now, will pray tomorrow Friday, for a great surgery and outcome.
Fran Zilko

Hi Kim
The stress of these days makes us even more tired and worn out. I'm glad Frank's cath went well and I'll be praying that tomorrow's surgery goes equally well. Journal when you can and let us know Frank is okay. Tomorrow is going to be a very long day. Good luck. I hope you and Frank get to experience the calm that most of us feel as we enter these final moments before surgery and then the exhileration when you find his surgery is successful. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Aunt Kim and Uncle Frank,

Just wanted to let you know that Tripp and I are thinking about all of you! If anyone needs a break from the hospital, Hotel Merchant is always open.

Love,
Katie

Hi Frank,

Sorry I didn't get to see you before you left work yesterday.

I just wanted to wish you well and let you know I'll be praying that your surgery goes well.

Thanks for sending me the website to check on your progress.

Take comfort in your family and friends during this time.

I'm sure Kim will take excellent care of you.

When you're at home recuperating and feel up to it, send me an e-mail and let me know how everything is going.

Pat

Hi Kim and Frank,

Just a message from a buddy that has been through this surgery. You not only will be dancing at the wedding, You'll have enough time to take Auther Murrays six easy lessons first. Before you know it we'll be playing songs together. You and Kim will be in my prayers everyday.

God Bless,
George B

Hello Kim
Know you're in the waiting mode for Frank to come out of surgery. Hope it was scheduled for the AM. Am praying for a very successful surgery and healing. Keep us posted when you're able. Thank you for your note to me when you have so much on your mind.
Fran Zilko

Hi Kim and Frank
Just sending some more well wishes and prayers as you enter your final stages of getting ready for Friday's surgery. This time next week you'll be on the way home, done and on the road to full recovery. Kim, you hang in there too. You need to try and stay positive and strong. This weekend will be very emotional because you'll be giving thanks for Frank's good health. You'll see. Kim, I hope you'll have company as you wait, it does help keep you occupied. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Frank,

I'm out two weeks and three days. Aortic Stenosis remedied by a pig valve. I can tell you that in my case, the surgery has not been at all as painful or inconvenient as I first thought.

I'm still tired and sleep a lot, but my wife and I have been going out to dinner since the first week I was home. I had no difficulty climbing up and down our stairs at home from the first day home. In addition, I am cooking our family meals again.

Issues with urination have been worked out have started to wean off the hydrocodone pain medication. The incision is sore, but otherwise (unless I sneeze) the discomfort is more than bearable.

The first few days after surgery, I entertained some trepidation that the valve might fail. It didn't. And, I understand that they usually don't.

So, courage my friend. There is little to nothing to fear.

John Cimasi
jcimasi@yahoo.com

Prayers for a successful surgery and recovery. Hope you'll be peaceful going into surgery knowing that the end result will be perfect. I'm still waiting (mine is the 18th). You'll be doing cartwheels by then.
Fran Zilko

Frank
I will add you to my prayer list. Wishing you well, I am sure you will be fine and up and around the soon after the procedure. However after they repair your value you may want to request they remove all of those BS corrective action plans you have received down through the years which I am sure have contributed to your heart burn.


God Bless Frank
Dave

Frank and Kim,

Hang in there. I'm sure that the hours are dragging on and you are on pins and needles waiting for Friday to come. We're all pulling for you.

Know that you are in our thoughts.

Steven In Calgary

Hi Frank and Kim,
I will try this again because the first time didn't go so well... (I'm really computer literate..) Anyways, I think that this journal is an incredible idea. I have really enjoyed reading all of the information and the heart felt letters from your friends and family. In the time that I have gotten to know you both, it doesn't surprise me that Frank would have soo many people "in his corner". My family will join the rest of the folks who will be praying for a swift recovery and a speedy return to work - God bless!

Mike

Hi Frank and Kim,

Hi again, Kim and Frank,
Wow, I read through the letters and comments and I think it's so wonderful that you have this resource. We will be learning along with you.
Also,I would love to have a copy of the picture of the two of you-it's beautiful!
Love again,
Karen

Frank and Kim:

We really wish we were going to be home when this happens. You know that you will be constantly on our minds and we will be with you in spirit.

What a great idea this whole journal thing is! We also signed up to receive the emails.

Stay strong - you're going to have a great result!

LOVE,
Karen and Mike

Just got your message on the journal today. As I told you before the mechanical valve is definitely the way to go. I've had a St. Jude's (metal)valve since 1992 and it is working great. The only drawback is going for "protimes" (about once a month) to check Coumadin level and of course the "ticking" in hard floor areas. But believe me you WILL get used to it in a few weeks. (The tissue valve is good for about 10-15 years and then you have to get it replaced again. I don't think you would want to do that.)
Good luck!!

Ben Holsopple

Well Brother, having been through similar circumstances, I can honestly say that being on the patient side of this endeavor is sometimes a lot easier than being on the caregiver/family side. Please just know that everything will be fine and that your extended family loves you and is praying for you. Just stay strong, stay positive and fight the fight. We will always be there for you, Kim, Sara and Adam.

God Bless You Frank,

Mike Dvorsky Family

Hi Kim and Frank

If Frank is where I was at four months, you'll definitely be dancing and you might just be having trouble keeping up to him Kim. At one month I was out doing chores but having to be driven. At two months I was out Christmas shopping but having trouble carrying the load. At three months I was taking over doing much of the housework again! At four months we joined ballroom dance lessons. At five months and now on a Beta Blocker, I'm finally better than before. You keep focused for the next couple of weeks and you definitely will be enjoying more than ever the parties and celebration ahead. It's scary but you'll both come through this and be better for it. I wouldn't be investing in any sick room bells Kim. Cheryl, Ontario

Good Morning Frank
I imagine you'll be dancing up a storm as the father of the bride. What a wonderful celebration to look forward to as you recover. My 6 year old grandson, Michael, wants me to be able to run with him. So, that's my goal. Of course it's been years since I've even run a few yards, but promised him I would do it and I will.Will be praying for a successful surgery on Friday.
Fran Zilko

Hi Kim and Frank
Things are now moving along quite quickly which is good. Less time to sit and stew. It's important that you feel comfortable with your surgeon so I'm glad that has happened for you both. Will be looking for your updated postings this week. You are in my prayers. Cheryl, Ontario

Hi Frank
Glad you had an excellent meeting with the surgeon. Things are moving quickly for you. Waiting is no fun. My surgery is almost a week after yours (March 18th). So, you'll be an old pro and doing so well at that time. Keep us up to date. You'll do well, you've got that great cheerleader on your team.
Fran Zilko

I've been thinking about it and the more I think about it the more I want to change my mind. Personally, I think I might go with tissue valve, but I'm not sure on that.

Patrick in STL